Clay Aiken singing Solitaire is one of those defining moments. When I first heard Clay sing this song on American Idol, you could tell that he connected with the lyrics. Much later, I learned why.
In Clay Aiken's book, Learning to Sing, he speaks honestly and poignantly about his birth father, Vernon Grissom. The following passage from this book always makes me sad, not just for Clay, but for the father who cast aside the love of his son for whatever reason.
My birth father showed me what happens once you shut down your heart. Still, I sing about him.Clay also stated in his book
There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love through his indifference
A heart that cared, that went unshared
Until it died in his silence
I think about him
And Solitaire's the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
And by himself it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again
And always, I feel sorry for him
Another day
A lonely day
So much to say that goes unspoken
And through the night
His sleepless nights
His eyes are closed
His heart is broken
"When you come in contact with another life, that individual dabs a little color onto your soul. It isn't always a color you like, but even ugliness provides its own lessons"Clay Aiken is a testament to taking those colors and creating a beautiful masterpiece. Bravo Clay
